Overview

Lima, on the Pacific coast, was the most important and magnificent city in South America for the Spanish. Visit the colonial district and some of the finest museums in the world, with amazing collections of pre-Hispanic treasures.

Cusco, majestic capital of the Inca Empire, is set in a valley 3,300m high in the Andes and has a unique charm and a relaxed atmosphere. Explore the city, a blend of Inca and Spanish styles, then salsa the night away. Visit the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas. Take a breathtaking trip to Machu Picchu, lost city of the Incas, set in stunning mountain scenery or alternatively, walk the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Staying in Cusco, you can experience ancient cultures, wonderful scenery, lively festivals and colourful markets. There is also hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, horse riding, paragliding and even hot air ballooning.

The The Nazca Lines are 2,000 year-old etchings in the face of the desert. Mystery surrounds these giant images of animals and birds, geometric shapes and straight lines up to 40 miles long. Wonder at the remarkable precision of their creation as you fly over the Lines. Ica is a desert town with a wonderful climate. Being on a river carrying the waters of the Andes through the desert to the Pacific, a stay in Ica means you can see both impressive sand dunes as well the main wine producing area in Peru. Visit the excellent regional museum, with 2,000 year-old textiles, deformed skulls and the finest pottery in Peru. Take a trip to a vineyard and try a delicious pisco sour. Or, being in the desert allows you to try sandboarding or sand buggying down the giant sand dunes. The Ballestas Islands are nearby, home to thousands of sea lions, penguins and sea birds. A boat ride around the islands offers an incredible opportunity to see these wonderful creatures up close, as the sea lions play around your boat.

The Inca Trail is a spectacular four-day hike starting in the Sacred Valley, rising through the Andes, before descending again to the cloud forest of Machu Picchu. The scenery constantly changes as you climb and descend, and you are rewarded with some of the finest mountain views on earth. There is no better way to arrive at Machu Picchu than on foot at the Sun Gate at dawn, visiting the ruins in the early morning light before most of the tourists arrive. Our trek includes porters to carry everything, including your personal belongings; cooks who prepare a varied menu; tents for your 3 nights on the trail; and a guide who will explain the different Inca sites you pass.Although most people have no problems, the Inca Trail reaches altitudes of 4,200m, so you should have a good level of fitness. A Short Inca Trail option is also available. Recent changes in regulations have limited the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail. Therefore, we recommend booking well in advance.

Lake Titicaca, at 3,820m above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world. At this altitude, the pure air creates wonderful light, and the views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real rising over the lake are superb. This immense body of water is home to the Uros people, who live on reed islands they have woven, and to the people of Taquile Island, who create some of the finest crafts in the Andes. A boat ride to these islands is an unforgettable experience. Lake Titicaca lies at the edge of the Peruvian altiplano. Crossing this expanse of high sierra gives you a fascinating view of the harsh environment, where many people still live by subsistence farming.